Ulster County land-preservation groups get $147.5K

Land-preservation groups in Ulster County were awarded $147,500 in grants on Thursday, part of $1.4 million in statewide conservation funding.

The grants were announced by the Department of Environmental Conservation, which said that 57 nonprofit land trusts across the state would get financial assistance through the Conservation Partnership Program.

The money is to be used in conjunction with funding provided by the land conservancies.

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"The state's investment in building land trust capacity multiplies several times in benefits to local communities, improving both the local economy and environment," said state Environmental Commissioner Joe Martens.

State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill agreed.

"This partnership will make every public dollar work even harder with private and local funding matches," said Cahill, D-Kingston,. "Land trusts are vital tools in our work to preserve the natural resources New Yorkers treasure."

The Ulster County grants announced on Thursday were:

o $9,000 for the Cragsmoor Conservancy to acquire 4.7 acres near Sam's Point Preserve.

o $28,000 for the Kingston Land Trust to conduct land surveys and mapping on 10 parcels as well as develop a five-year strategic plan.

o $22,500 for the Woodstock Land Conservancy to strengthen its fundraising and development team as well as acquire 14 acres adjacent to the Bluestone Wild Forest Preserve.

o $48,000 for the Mohonk Preserve to develop a public- access plan.

o $15,000 for the Esopus Creek Conservancy to help board members improve fundraising skills.

o $25,000 for the Wallkill Valley Land Trust to design and build connections between rail trails.

Additionally, Scenic Hudson was awarded $38,000 to work with land trusts in Ulster and Columbia counties on trail enhancements.

The grants announced on Thursday also included more than $50,000 for Columbia County groups, $42,500 for Dutchess County groups and $15,400 for Greene County groups.